The plan is to drill three boreholes for the transmission cables from land into the ocean floor from Shoal Cove, and three will be drilled from Forteau.

In late January, drilling on the first of the six boreholes was completed in Shoal Cove.

According to a Nalcor press release issued to the Northern Pen, the 375 mm hole was drilled through bedrock and into the sea floor 70 metres below, more than two kilometres from the initial entry point in Shoal Cove.

“Drilling for the second borehole is currently underway, and overall drilling activities are approximately 50 per cent complete in Shoal Cove,” states the release.

HDD activities are expected to continue in Shoal Cove until late spring, and will then begin in Forteau. Drilling operations in Forteau are expected to be complete by the end of 2014.